World Museum

Tampa, Florida. (AP). – Giant Indians who roamed Florida swamps 500 years or more, living on shell foods which they cracked with their teeth, is a picture unfolded by archaeologists who have delved into a burial ground on a Gulf Island near here.

The skeletons were discovered on a small section of land, where a lone fisherman has lived for years. Scientists estimated that the bones are at least 500 years old and are remains of a tribe known as Garibs, natives of the West Indies. They are believed to have inhabited the state and adjacent islands before the Spaniards in Florida.

The skulls, larger than those of current history, battered and crushed, indicated tribal battles. The jaw and teeth are unusually large. Likewise are the body, bones, indicating the Indians of past ages were veritable giants in comparison with those today.

Mounds similar to the one in which the bones were unearthed are common in this state.

The bones have been sent to the Smithsonian Institution for further examination.